Picking up the pace a little as I'm working on the last half dozen chapter, here's another update. I figured you wouldn't mind me posting twice a week ;)
Love to Mizzdee, for all her hard work, and to A Cullen Wannabe, who sent me the first chapter of a little something that looks pretty good. It'll be a little while until she's done with her other commitments and is able to work on it fully, but I'm excited.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Warning: Story is rated M for language, some violence and lemons
Chapter 26
Isabella and Edward sat in their offices reviewing the numbers from the various peerage's harvests, a little stunned by the numbers they reported.
"I cannot believe it worked this well in its first year," Isabella said, sitting the papers down. "Can you imagine the implications in a few years?"
"We wouldn't have to import as much food from Albemarie. This would be helpful, because they are charging far too much for what we receive." Edward rubbed his forehead, his eyes finding some of the other papers scattered across his desk. "Can you believe that William was able to help the ambassador to Bodie explain the evils of my uncles to their King? I believe he is a large part of the reason that the King is travelling here to meet with us and the other Royal envoys."
"William still cares about the wellbeing about our country, and we need the aid of these other nations. I know Jacob was helpful with conveying the gravity of the situation to the King of Neuse." Isabella was aware of exactly which countries hadn't responded to their diplomatic requests.
They had the entire castle preparing for the incoming royal caravans that would arrive within the week, uniting them against any traitors to any of them in the future. Much talk had circulated around Court when it was revealed that Albemarie and Pamlico would not actively aid Dwyer in their efforts to find and punish the Volturi brothers.
In response to the messengers that had been sent, Pamlico simply said they would not aid a country they were currently beholden too, especially when they aren't allowed to patrol their borders closely as per the treaty.
Albemarie had responded that they weren't comfortable moving in opposition to Pamlico because they weren't able to defend themselves against the military nation.
The council knew they were two well-crafted excuses. But they both rang a little false, which wasn't surprising since those were the two countries that were suspected of harboring them. King Vlad of Pamlico and King Corin of Albemarie had made their choices, only time would show if they could live with them.
*PttT*
Meyer Castle was set for the summit, the Royal Army on display as the visiting dignitaries explored the grounds and feasted on the lunch served in the Main Hall. The signing of the treaty would occur the following day, and then there would be a great feast to celebrate the unity. A few of the Kings were trying to gain private moments with the Queen to discuss some personal matters, but either Jasper or Emmett seemed to be coming in to ask any number of benign questions.
Finally gaining a few free moments, Isabella sat down with the King of Hatteras. "My fair Isabella, I thank you for taking a moment to speak with me."
"Of course, Conner. I'm excited for the chance to properly meet my neighboring royals. Now was there something specific you wanted to discuss with me? Or did you simply wish to speak with me in a general sense."
Smirking, King Conner took her hand."No, there is something particular I have to talk to about. I wanted to know if you have found a suitable husband for Vanessa yet?"
Isabella blanched."Husband? She's an infant."
Conner nodded. "That is the best time to do so. There's no chance of the child forming an attachment because they are raised knowing who their spouse will be. And my youngest son would be an excellent match for her."
"Lee is six years old!" Isabella still couldn't wrap her head around it.
"He will be seven next month. The age difference will suit well for them; it will give her a strong King to have beside her."
"With all due respect, there was a time when my father tried to strengthen his country at the cost of the girls betrothed to foreign men."
"You needn't remind me. I know all about the betrothal between your maid and my cousin. But that was an extreme case. Your marriage was a love match and it has proved difficult for you in the past."
"My marriage is not up for discussion, and neither is my daughter's. If she is betrothed to someone it will be done at a later date, and with her father present. Now, if you'll excuse me?"
"Of course, Isabella. I meant no offense. I will see you tomorrow at the signing."
*PttT*
The remained of the day was busy, never giving Edward and Isabella a chance to compare notes until that night when they were in the privacy of their rooms.
"Today was quite an interesting day, wasn't it, Bella?" Edward asked as he disrobed, his eyes never leaving hers.
"That it was," she agreed. "What happened to make it eventful for you?"
"I had two proposed betrothals for Vanessa, one from King Paul of Bodie and the other from King Seth of Neuse."
Isabella couldn't suppress her laughter. "Well at least Conner took 'no' for an answer."
"Is that what you two were discussing before I saw him exiting our offices?" Edward's tone held no hostility; instead, he let his amusement show.
"Yes, he thought that now was the perfect time to betroth his son Lee to our daughter."
"And your response was?"
"I may have reminded him about the last betrothal of a lady from Dwyer to a member of the Hatteran Royal family."
Edward barked a laugh as he pulled his wife onto the bed. "His remarks to me suddenly make sense."
Isabella moved away from her husband so that she could meet his eyes. "What did he say?"
"That I was a fortunate man to have such a spirited and passionate wife, and he was sorry if any of his comments offended you."
"We both took a shot or two below the belt, but they weren't meant in malice so all is easily forgiven. For now, I would like to show you just how fortunate you are, and for things that King Connor could never hope to know about my 'spirit.'"
The couple forgot all talk of diplomacy for the evening in light of far more pleasant activities.
*PttT*
The pomp and circumstance of the morning was on full display as Lady Alice once again outdid herself. The colors of the four Monarchs were adorning the walls of the Throne room, where the ceremony was to take place.
The nobility of Dwyer, as well as those that travelled with the various kings lined the room three deep as they waited for the proceedings to begin.
Isabella and Edward were the first to enter, moving to stand before their thrones and wait for the arrival of the remainder of the royalty. Next was King Paul of Bodie, who entered the room alone, taking his place on the left wall. A moment later, King Seth and Queen Lucille of Neuse proceeded to take their position in front of the right wall of the room. At last, King Conner and Queen Mary of Hatteras stood opposite Isabella and Edward.
The ceremony continued with each Monarch stepping forward to meet at the table placed in the center of the room. Isabella read the treaty, where all countries promised to act out against those who perform acts of treachery towards any of the countries bound by the treaty. Such men or women would be returned to the military of the country they acted against, allowing those who had been wronged to exact justice.
As there were four copies of the treaty, one for each Monarch to keep, all four royals lifted their quill pens and signed, using the supplied wax to apply their seals before passing the parchments to the right, repeating the process three more times before they each had their fully signed copies in hand.
Completing the ceremony by each taking a drink of wine and eating a piece of bread, the crowd cheered and then began to empty as the people moved onto the Main Hall for the feast. With the weather getting colder, the dignitaries would be leaving in the morning so they would be home before the weather turned for the worst.
Isabella chose the afternoon, when most would be relaxing after the fine meal, to practice her horsemanship. In the eight weeks since her birthday she had done well in her studies, training Jenks to listen to her commands and growing used to being in the seat for longer periods.
Today, she was with two members of the guard, working on her ability to ride on less than ideal surfaces. She was working the obstacles they had in the place to train both the horses and riders on the various terrains of the country when Jasper approached.
"You look as though you were born in the saddle; it seems that very few things elude your ability to master."
"There seems to be one thing that no one will teach me, I need someone to spar with me, Jasper. How else am I to learn?"
"There are other ways. We can get you a dummy so you can practice your handwork first. You have to understand there are very few that will challenge their Queen, even with a wooden sword."
"Well then, it appears that I will have to be the one to do the searching." Isabella completed the obstacle and dismounted, giving Jenks a loving stroke before turning to return to the castle and change. She had a king to find.